Which One Does Your Business Really Need?
As a business owner, your time is your most valuable resource. But how you choose to protect it can make or break your productivity. Many entrepreneurs turn to virtual support, but not all assistants are created equal. Should you hire an Executive Assistant or an Admin Virtual Assistant?
Understanding the difference is crucial—and making the right choice can help you scale faster, stress less, and focus on what really matters.
What Is an Executive Assistant?
An Executive Assistant (EA) is a high-level professional who provides strategic and administrative support to business leaders, often acting as a right hand to the CEO or founder. They are not just task-doers—they are trusted partners who proactively manage your schedule, projects, priorities, and even internal communications.
Typical responsibilities include:
Diary and inbox management
Coordinating meetings and stakeholder communication
Preparing reports and presentations
Strategic project oversight
Acting as a liaison between departments or clients
The best EAs anticipate needs, solve problems before they arise, and give you space to focus on leadership and growth.
What Is an Admin Virtual Assistant?
An Admin Virtual Assistant supports the operational side of your business. They are task-focused, reliable, and essential for keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes.
Their typical responsibilities include:
Data entry and document formatting
Customer service or inbox support
Calendar scheduling and file organisation
CRM updates and simple reporting
While they may not operate at a strategic level, a great admin VA helps you stay organised, reduce admin overload, and gain back hours every week.
Key Differences Between an Executive Assistant and Admin VA
So, Which One Does Your Business Really Need?
Hire an Executive Assistant (EA) if:
You’re the bottleneck in your business decisions
You need someone to help you lead, not just do
Your calendar is full of meetings and priorities competing for attention
You’re scaling and need strategic operational support
Hire an Admin VA if:
Your inbox is overflowing
You’re spending hours on repetitive admin tasks
You need reliable hands to manage the day-to-day
You’re not quite ready for executive-level support—but you still need help
Why Virtual Assistant Support from Virtual Elves Makes the Choice Easier
Not sure which one to choose? That’s where we come in.
At Virtual Elves, we’ve spent over 15 years matching Australian businesses with Filipino VAs who bring skill, loyalty, and long-term value.
Whether you need a sharp and strategic Executive Assistant, or a capable and committed Admin Virtual Assistant, we’ll help you:
Identify your business needs
Choose the right level of support
Onboard and integrate your VA with ease
Build a long-term relationship based on trust and growth
We believe virtual assistant support should feel seamless—and that starts with the right match.
Choose the Right Support, Not Just Any Support
Your time is too valuable to spend on tasks someone else could handle better, faster, and more cost-effectively. Whether you’re in need of top-tier executive partnership or solid admin relief, choosing the right kind of virtual assistant support can change the way you do business.
Ready to take the next step? Book a call with Virtual Elves today
